Full Care Package
This package includes the antenatal package, the support of your birth in hospital or at home and the postnatal package.
CONTINUITY OF CARE
Being supported by the same midwife for the antenatal care, the birth and the postpartum period allows to create a unique relationship of trust between the midwife and the family. Studies have shown that families approach parenthood with greater ease and serenity because this unique relationship with their midwife has given them confidence in their abilities.
What’s included in our full care package ?
ANTENATAL CARE
These appointments take place in your home. During these appointments you will never feel rushed. In addition to the clinical care, I will take the time to chat with you to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that you are doing well both physically and emotionally.
I will be the midwife you can laugh with and the shoulder you can cry on or rest on.
Antenatal visits can start as early as the 8th week of pregnancy and beyond.
Antenatal appointments include:
- Blood pressure checks
- Urinalysis
- Fetal heart auscultation from 20 weeks with a sonic aid or a pinard
- Mapping baby’s position
- Care plans discussion for pregnancy, birth or postnatal care
16, 20, 24, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 40+ weeks of pregnancy.
Outside of these appointments, if you have any questions or just need a chat I will be available on the phone during the day from 9am to 6pm.
You are still entitled to blood tests, ultrasounds and doctors’ appointments through the NHS and I can help you arrange these if necessary.
BIRTH CARE
I will be on call 7 days a week 24/24h from 37 weeks of your pregnancy until the birth of your baby. I will be by your side during your hospital birth or your home birth to give you the emotional and physical support you need. I want you to feel at the centre of your care, respected and heard.
POSTNATAL CARE
We know how important these first weeks are for the parent-baby bond and how fragile the mother and the newborn are. That is why during these appointments, which will take place in your home, I will look after the health of your newborn as well as your physical and emotional health.
I will answer all your questions and listen to you with respect and kindness.
If you wish to breastfeed, I will offer you the support you need to make breastfeeding work for you and your baby.
I will support you for 6 weeks postanatally, after which you will feel confident enough to continue your journey to parenthood without me.
Postnatal appointments include:
1st week postpartum: 3 – 4 visits
2nd week postpartum: 2 visits
From 2nd week: weekly visits
Frequently Asked Questions
How do private midwives operate ?
Private midwives have more freedom to practise individual care compared to those working within the NHS, who may be restricted by guidelines and protocols. Independent midwives are still regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. They are subject to the same supervision as NHS midwives, are required to keep up to date with their practice and are only allowed to act within their sphere of competence as midwives. Independent midwives form relationships of trust with pregnant women and their families, which help women to feel safe and supported when they go into labour.
Independent midwives have private insurance to cover their work for antenatal and postnatal appointments and for labour and birth work.
Can I still receive NHS care if I book with a private Midwife ?
You can receive NHS care combined with that of a private midwife. The Department of Health has made it clear that women who choose to have their midwifery care provided by an independent midwife are not opting out of the NHS. You are fully entitled to all blood tests and scans that women under the full NHS care can have. Should you require any specialist input or emergency care the NHS will provide it. Private midwives have the same referral right as NHS midwives and are able to arrange a consultant appointment or hospital admission if required.
Why is continuity of care important ?
Continuity of midwifery care contributes to improving the quality and safety of maternity care. High quality evidence indicates that women who receive care in these models are more likely to have effective care, a better experience and improved clinical outcomes.
Midwives benefit too. For a midwife, getting to know the woman, and developing a trusting relationship with her during her pregnancy, is the best way to help her have a safe, positive and empowering experience of pregnancy, birth and parenthood, whilst maintaining and strengthening clinical expertise across all areas of maternity care.
Midwives have a critical role to play ensuring that women are physically and psychologically well, so that they can develop a responsive and nurturing relationship with their children.
Respecting a woman’s values and beliefs during their maternity experience, whilst supporting them to make safe choices in the context of mutually respectful, trusting relationship with the midwife is key to this.
What is the difference between a Doula and a Private Midwife?
A doula takes care of emotional and physical support. They are not there to replace your partner or your midwife. Your private midwife will not only take care of your emotional and physical health but will also be responsible for the medical and clinical aspect of your pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.
Your lovely words
★★★★★
We felt very lucky to have you as our midwife.
Maybe we’ll be back in a few years for another!
L.C
★★★★★
Alice you are an amazing midwife and woman and I would never have the pregnancy and birth I had without your support. I thank you for your precious help, we will never forget you!
V & M
★★★★★
Thank you so much for being such a wonderful midwife! I will always remember your warmth, encouragement, kindness and support.
K.S
★★★★★
Thank you for giving me the confidence to pursue the natural birth we wanted, for being such a calm, kind presence during the birth and for supporting me so well in the postnatal period. You always made me feel that we had choices, and you were so non-judgemental and supportive. Your lovely smile, great hugs and kind words made such a difference to me.
Thank You for making our third and final birth experience so positive and special.
You’re amazing and I will never forget you!
A & R
★★★★★
We were very lucky to have Alice with us. She is a midwife who listens, reassures and cares. I felt heard and supported. Thank you again Alice. You are great!
M & J